SURPRISE, ARIZ. - OUAZ men's soccer defeated their first ranked opponent in school history in their 4-3 win of Reinhardt University last Sunday afternoon. The Spirit are looking to keep the momentum going as they return home Thursday to take on Marymount California.

Sunday's win is one that could be a confidence booster as the season goes along. The Spirit proved themselves on the Georgia trip, and head coach Matt Gow described the it as "massive".

"It's huge for our guys to know that they can do it, but to do it under the circumstances," Gow said. "When you're on the road, playing against a good team, an organized team on their field, to be able to overcome those adversities against a ranked opponent is just incredible."

An incredible performance was recognized from the weekend, as junior forward Samuel George was awarded the NCCAA Offensive Player of the Week. He scored three goals on the weekend, including the game-winner against Truett McConnell last Thursday. While it was a great performance, it seems as though George is just getting started.

"It's a massive honor to be given (the award), but it's only the beginning of the season," George said. "I'm going to keep doing what I'm doing and try to get better every day."

THIS WEEK FOR MEN'S SOCCER
The Spirit return home to take on Marymount California this Thursday. Kickoff from Spirit Field is scheduled for 8:00PM

HOW TO FOLLOW
Live video of both games will be available on the OUAZ Game Central portal and the NAIA Network for $7.95. The NAIA Network is available on Apple TV, Amazon Fire TV, and Android TV devices. Live stats will also be available through Game Central at portal.stretchinternet.com/ottawaaz.

AGAINST THE OPPOSITION
Thursday will be the first meeting between the Spirit and the Mariners.

NOTABLE QUOTABLE
"It's just sticking to what I know. I'm not trying to do more than I can do. I always try to think about how I can help my teammates, whether it's making runs or be an option on the ball." – George, on how he has found his early season success.

SPIRIT NOTES
Cristian Gennaro is tied for first in goals and second in points in the NAIA. He leads OUAZ in both categories.

Miguel Acosta leads the team in assists with four, and is tied for fifth nationally in the category. George, David Lopez and Kyle McDowell are among those tied for tenth in the NAIA in assists with three each.

Goalkeeper Yuri Nascimento was named NCCAA Defensive Player of the Week, as he made ten saves and recorded his second clean sheet of the season last weekend. He pushed his record to 4-0 in 2019.

Thursday's win marked the second straight season the Spirit picked up a victory in its road opener.

UP NEXT
The Spirit will hit the road next week for another two-game road trip in California. They will take on California Lutheran on Tuesday, September 10, and will take Antelope Valley on Thursday, September 12.